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Plc Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

OSARO

Controls Engineer, PLC Programming

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

As a Controls Engineer PLC Programming, you will be participating in the research, development and deployment of AI enabled robot cells for material handling and logistics applications. You will ...

Beacon Engineering Resources

Controls Engineer

Modesto, CA

$88K - $113K/yr

The ideal candidate will have experience with PLC programming, industrial automation, and troubleshooting controls systems in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Responsibilities: * Design ...

OSARO

Controls Engineer, PLC Programming

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

As a Controls Engineer PLC Programming, you will be participating in the research, development and deployment of AI enabled robot cells for material handling and logistics applications. You will ...

Envista

Automation & Controls Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$83K - $111K/yr

The Automation & Controls Engineer alongside the RDT (Research Development and Transformation) team ... Program all software for unique projects with a variety of needs (PLC, HMI/SCADA, Servo, Robotics ...

K&K Technical

Controls Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

This role is responsible for the complete controls lifecycle including HMI development, PLC and Safety PLC programming, electrical hardware design, panel layouts, field device layouts, risk ...

Valspec

Controls Engineer (PLC)

Simi Valley, CA

$75 - $85/hr

Controls Engineer (Consultant) -- Contract Engagement: Valspec consultant placed onsite at a ... Lead the design and engineering of Rockwell SCADA/PLC systems, ensuring alignment with project ...

Valspec

Controls Engineer (PLC)

Thousand Oaks, CA

$75 - $85/hr

Controls Engineer (Consultant) -- Contract Engagement: Valspec consultant placed onsite at a ... Lead the design and engineering of Rockwell SCADA/PLC systems, ensuring alignment with project ...

Ferrara Candy Company

Controls Engineer

Fairfield, CA

$95K - $105K/yr

Hands on PLC controls system knowledge, PLC programming, instrument programming and integration. * Configuring and designing HMI/OIT systems (e.g. Allen Bradley, Siemens, Wonderware, etc.). Program ...

Ferrara

Controls Engineer

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Hands on PLC controls system knowledge, PLC programming, instrument programming and integration. * Configuring and designing HMI/OIT systems (e.g. Allen Bradley, Siemens, Wonderware, etc.). Program ...

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA

$89K - $115K/yr

... Controls Engineer supporting a variety of industrial automation projects ... In this role, you'll design, program, test, and commission PLC, SCADA, and HMI control systems ...

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

... Controls Engineer supporting a variety of industrial automation projects ... In this role, you'll design, program, test, and commission PLC, SCADA, and HMI control systems ...

AlfaTech

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $130K/yr

Controls Engineer About Us Our mission is to always put our clients first by offering the most ... Familiarity with PLC controls and a variety of conventional BMS platforms. * High proficiency with ...

AlfaTech

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Controls Engineer About Us Our mission is to always put our clients first by offering the most ... Familiarity with PLC controls and a variety of conventional BMS platforms. * High proficiency with ...

AlfaTech

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Salary: $115,000 - $130,000 Controls Engineer About Us Our mission is to always put our clients ... Familiarity with PLC controls and a variety of conventional BMS platforms. * High proficiency with ...

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Controls Engineer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$96K - $123K/yr

Troubleshoot control systems wiring, PLC / SCADA logic, PLCs, and calibrations, both for issues ... Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automated controls, or ...

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All JobsPlc Controls Engineer JobsPlc Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Plc Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$54.8K

$90.8K

$122.4K

How much do plc controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for plc controls engineer in California is $90,822.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are PLC Controls Engineers?

PLC Controls Engineers are professionals who design, program, and maintain programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used to automate industrial processes. They develop control systems that allow machinery and production lines to operate efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting issues, upgrading systems, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. PLC Controls Engineers often work closely with other engineers and technicians to optimize manufacturing operations.

What Does a PLC Controls Engineer Do?

As a PLC controls engineer, your primary responsibilities include the setup, programming, testing, and implementation of computer control systems used for production automation and industrial equipment design. Your duties are to implement programs on programmable logic controllers and test whether industrial computers process information and function correctly. You debug issues and troubleshoot problems that have non-standard solutions. In this role, you also assess the functionality of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems and may work in numerous fields, including aviation, robotics, energy production, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PLC Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PLC Controls Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering, automation systems, and proficiency in programming PLCs, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC platforms (such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Schneider), HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial networking is essential, and certifications like Siemens S7 or Rockwell Automation can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills are critical for designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated processes to ensure efficiency and reliability in industrial environments.

What is the difference between Plc Controls Engineer vs Automation Technician?

AspectPlc Controls EngineerAutomation Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Automation Engineering, PLC certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree, PLC training
Work EnvironmentDesign, programming, and troubleshooting PLC systems in industrial settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of automation equipment
Industry UsageManufacturing, process control, automation firmsFactory floors, maintenance departments

The Plc Controls Engineer focuses on designing and programming PLC systems, requiring engineering credentials. In contrast, the Automation Technician handles installation and troubleshooting, often with technical diplomas. Both roles are vital in industrial automation but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some typical challenges a PLC Controls Engineer might face when working on a new automation project?

PLC Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new automation systems with existing machinery, troubleshooting unexpected equipment behavior, and ensuring minimal downtime during installation or upgrades. Communication with cross-functional teams—including electricians, mechanical engineers, and production managers—is essential to align project goals and resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing project requirements and keeping up with the latest PLC programming standards are common aspects of the role.
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Plc Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plc Controls Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,822 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Controls Engineer, PLC Programming

OSARO

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

As a Controls Engineer PLC Programming, you will be participating in the research, development and deployment of AI enabled robot cells for material handling and logistics applications. You will collaborate with Operations, Software, and Machine Learning teams to research, design, integrate, test and deploy new robotic hardware including: robot cell designs, end effectors, cameras, lighting, HW control devices (PLCs, I/O couplers, sensors, etc), pneumatics, actuators, custom mechanisms.
We value candidates who are passionate about what they build, feel a strong sense of ownership over their work, are driven to succeed and appreciate a harmonious work environment.
What You'll be Doing
  • Programming & Deployment: Developing, testing, and deploying robust PLC code for ML-enabled robotic automation systems across multiple concurrent projects.
  • System Integration: Integrating PLCs with off-the-shelf control devices (I/O couplers, sensors, safety controllers, etc.) and our proprietary machine-learning software.
  • Collaboration: Working alongside and managing integration partners to co-develop, commission, and deploy robotic cells.
  • Documentation: Writing detailed technical specifications and documentation for control logic and software architecture.
  • HMI Development: Designing, developing, and deploying intuitive Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) to provide operators with seamless control, monitoring, and troubleshooting capabilities for the robotic workcells.
  • Safety Implementation: Programming and validating safety logic and safety PLCs to ensure the robotic workcells meet all industrial machine safety standards and fail-safe requirements.
  • Testing & Commissioning: Debugging and characterizing PLC programs for complex electromechanical.
  • Troubleshooting: Supporting internal engineering teams by diagnosing control systems to ensure equipment is operational for both development and live demos.
  • Must be able to travel 20-30% of the time and/or as needed during installation and deployment of new projects

Experience and Skills You'll Need
  • 3+ years of professional experience in PLC programming and industrial automation.
  • Multi-Project Management: Proven ability to manage controls programming across several projects simultaneously while effectively balancing competing priorities.
  • PLC Expertise: Deep knowledge and hands-on experience with major PLC platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, PLCNext, Siemens, Beckhoff, or similar).
  • Hardware Integration: Experience specifying and integrating off-the-shelf controls hardware for cell control logic.
  • Scripting: Software/Scripting skills (Python, C++, etc.) to help interface industrial controls with high-level PC-based software.
  • Motion Control: Familiarity with motion control components such as motors, encoders, linear actuators, pneumatics, and sensors.
  • Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication with an emphasis on teamwork and organizational skills.
  • Drive: A strong work ethic and a willingness to learn in a small, team-based environment.
  • Agility: Experience (or enthusiasm for) working in a fast-paced, startup environment.
  • Logistics: Ability to work from the San Francisco office 4-5 days a week.
  • Travel: Willingness to travel (limited) for commissioning and deployment.
  • Authorization: Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required, OSARO will not provide H1B visa

Bonus if You Have
  • Electrical Experience: Experience with electrical system design, including electrical schematics, panel/cabinet design, and wiring.
  • Pneumatics: Experience with the detailed design of pneumatic systems.
  • Robotics: Experience programming articulated Industrial Robots (Fanuc, Kuka, Yaskawa, etc.).
  • Machine Vision: Experience with 2D & 3D Vision systems (Cognex, Datalogic, Keyence, Sick, Custom, etc.).

$125,000 - $145,000 a year
Actual compensation is based on various factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, and experience. In addition to a base salary, this role is also eligible for benefits and equity.
More About OSARO
OSARO is a San Francisco-based startup company building machine learning software for industrial automation, to power robots in logistics and material handling centers. Our vision is to develop a solution that enables industrial robots to perform diverse tasks in a wide range of environments. We are excited and driven to see the results of our efforts operating in the fast-growing field of autonomous material handling. We implement state-of-the-art techniques but constantly strive to build the simplest possible solution. OSARO is technique agnostic and always focused on the goal. We regularly review academic literature for novel strategies while steering clear of the hype. We're focused on delighting our customers with systems that work like magic.
Our markets are global. That's why OSARO employs a diverse team of experts in various fields from more than 15 countries, attracting talent from both innovative companies and the research labs of top-ranked engineering universities. We are naturally curious, love healthy debate, and respect varying points of view. At OSARO, we strive to be champions for equality. We believe we can serve as a model for diversity in the tech industry by emphasizing policies of nondiscrimination and inclusion at every step.
We are an equal opportunity employer who offers
  • Health, dental, vision, and commuter benefits
  • Generous, flexible vacation time
  • Excellent paid parental leave policy with the option for additional reduced and unpaid leave
  • The chance to work with robots!

The above full-time position is available immediately.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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